Heritage Foundation names Kay Coles James as next president

The Heritage Foundation, a leading conservative think tank, announced Tuesday that Kay Coles James would be its next president, following a contentious departure by the group’s former head.

James, who previously worked as a senior adviser to President Trump during his transition into the White House, will be the first African-American woman to lead the organization in its 44-year history. 

In a speech Tuesday, James called the appointment an “honor” and promised to “protect [the foundation] and grow it with the greatest care possible.”

James is set to start the role on Jan. 1, 2018. She previously served as the director of the Office of Personnel Management under former President George W. Bush, as well as the assistant secretary for public affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“She will continue Heritage’s fight for the timeless American principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense,” said interim president Edwin J. Feulner in his statement announcing the change. 

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Feulner, the founder and former president of the foundation, stepped back into the role following the resignation of former U.S. senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) from the position.

DeMint, a strong supporter of President Trump, reportedly left amid infighting within Heritage’s board of trustees and the group’s political arm over its position on the controversial Republican-led effort in Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. 

The board approved James by a unanimous vote, Feulner said.